When you think about the perfect comfort food, meatball subs likely come to mind. You can enjoy a range of flavors, from the classic Italian version with rich marinara to a spicy turkey option that packs a punch. If you're looking for something vegetarian, lentil meatballs provide a hearty alternative. There's also the smoky sweetness of a BBQ meatball sub and the fresh twist of pesto. Each recipe brings its unique flair, but which one will truly satisfy your cravings? Stick around to investigate these delicious options further.
Classic Italian Meatball Sub
Classic Italian Meatball Sub is a delicious, hearty sandwich that combines savory meatballs with marinara sauce and melted cheese, all nestled in a crusty sub roll. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish brings the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine right to your table.
The combination of juicy meatballs, rich sauce, and gooey cheese makes it an irresistible choice for meat lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes.
To assemble the subs, split the sub rolls, place a few meatballs in each roll, ladle some marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding some sautéed onions and peppers to your meatball mixture or as a topping.
If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses, to give your meatball sub a unique twist.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal!
Spicy Turkey Meatball Sub
If you're craving a flavorful twist on the classic meatball sub, search no further than this Spicy Turkey Meatball Sub. Made with lean turkey, plenty of spices, and topped with a zesty marinara sauce and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
The combination of the spicy meatballs with the soft sub roll creates a delightful contrast in textures and tastes, making each bite a delicious experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined and form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and stir to coat. Slice the sub rolls open and place them on a baking sheet.
Fill each roll with meatballs and sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
If you prefer a more moist meatball, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
You can also customize your sub by adding toppings like sliced jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an additional layer of flavor.
Serve your spicy turkey meatball subs with a side of chips or a simple salad for a complete meal!
Vegetarian Meatball Sub
If you're craving a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meatball sub, this recipe won't disappoint! Packed with flavor and texture, these delicious meatballs made from lentils and spices are perfect for topping with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Nestled in a soft sub roll, this meatball sub is a delightful twist on a classic that even meat lovers will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and egg.
Mix thoroughly until well combined and form into small meatball shapes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and heated through.
In a saucepan, warm the marinara sauce over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are ready, place them in the sub rolls, spoon the marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Place the filled subs back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating different herbs and spices into the meatball mixture, such as crushed red pepper for some heat or chopped fresh parsley for freshness.
If you prefer a crispy texture, pan-fry the meatballs in a bit of olive oil before baking.
Feel free to customize your sub by adding sautéed vegetables or using a different type of cheese.
Leftover meatballs can be frozen for later use, making this recipe a convenient option for meal prep!
BBQ Meatball Sub
BBQ meatball subs are a delicious twist on the classic meatball sandwich, combining savory meatballs with smoky, tangy barbecue sauce for a flavor explosion.
These hearty subs are perfect for a casual family dinner, game day, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until just combined, then form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, heat the BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and stir to coat.
Toast the sub rolls in the oven for a few minutes, then fill each roll with BBQ meatballs and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Place the filled subs back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider mixing different types of meat, such as pork or chicken, into your meatball mixture.
You can also customize the BBQ sauce to your liking by adding spices like smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider adding some pickles or jalapeños to your subs before serving.
Don't forget to serve your BBQ meatball subs with extra napkins, as they can get messy but are oh-so-delicious!
Meatball Sub With Pesto
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic meatball sub with this mouthwatering Meatball Sub with Pesto. The combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs, zesty pesto, and gooey melted cheese creates a sandwich that's both comforting and revitalizing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce and stir to coat.
Slice the hoagie rolls open and place them on a baking tray.
Spoon the meatball and marinara mixture into each roll, drizzle with pesto sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese.
Place the tray in the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For an added layer of flavor, consider using homemade pesto instead of store-bought.
You can also customize your meatballs by adding spices like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a kick.
To keep the rolls from becoming soggy, you can lightly toast them before adding the meatballs and sauce.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or additional toppings, such as sliced olives or roasted red peppers, to make this meatball sub your own!